- Mac Os X Encryption
- File Encryption For Mac
- Encryption For Mac Free
- Best Mac Encryption Software
- Encryption For Mac Mail
- Pgp Encryption For Mac
Nov 06, 2018 Mac computers that have the Apple T2 Security Chip integrate security into both software and hardware to provide encrypted-storage capabilities.Data on the built-in, solid-state drive (SSD) is encrypted using a hardware-accelerated AES engine built into the T2 chip. The hash is encrypted (that's your MAC), the message is encrypted (for confidentiality). That way, you make it computationally impossible to alter the cipher text and come up with a valid message, even if your message is a single, random byte. Choosing the best hash, encryption and key length is another story. For all the Mac OS x 10.7 and above users, File Vault can act as powerful encryption software where encryption, as well as decryption, are on-the-fly. The software also allows you to prepare a master password for the case when the present one is lost or forgotten. MEO File Encryption Software Encrypt and decrypt files and keep your data secure. MEO is easy file encryption software for Mac or Windows that will encrypt or decrypt files of any type. Protect sensitive data against unauthorized viewers with the latest data encryption technologies to keep your important documents safe and secure. Encrypto is a free, easy-to-use app that lets you encrypt files with AES-256 encryption and then send them to friends or coworkers. It works on both Mac and Windows, so you can send encrypted files without worrying whether the other person can open it or not. Protect Files with AES-256 Encryption T.
Lots of users save confidential information on their Macs. Private data needs to be protected and secured to prevent unwanted access and identity theft. Fortunately, Mac users have lot of possible encryption options nowadays (built in Mac OS tools and 3rd party encryption apps as well).
Built Mac OS Disk Utility tool allows to protect your private files and create encrypted folder disk image. If user does not want to ecrypt the entire disk and enable filevault protection he/she may encrypt certain folder on the hard drive.
1. Open Disk Utility tool. In order to do this just click on Finder icon and select Go menu at the top. Choose Utilities from the drop down menu. In utilities folder look for Disk Utility icon (you can also press command + shift+ U and open Disk Utility in utilities folder).
2. Once you’ll open Disk Utility click on “File” menu at the top. Choose “New ” and select “Image from folder”
3. Select the folder you want to encrypt(in my case it is thunderzzz secret folder ) or create the new folder and add data containing confidential info there. Click on “Image”.
4. Type the name for encrypted disk image(in my case I call it “Encrypted disk image”) and select 128 or 256-bit encryption option. Click on “Save”.
5. Set up the password for encrypted image. Note: Save this password somewhere or write it down. In case you forget it you loose the access to all encrypted files inside the folder. This is probably the only drawback of this encryption option.
Next time you open this image double click on it. You’ll be prompted to type the password. Your files inside this disk image are protected.
There is also vast choice of third party encryption tools on the market. I have tested some of them on random basis.
Encryption Buddy
This tiny app allows user to protect and encrypt any type of files. Drag and drop the files you want to encrypt or protect with password to the application window. Create a password and click “Encrypt My Files”. Topaz photoshop plugins bundle for mac. It takes some time. In order to decrypt this file you should do almost the same. Easy as a pie. This app is available on the AppStore. You may find more info on developer’s website: http://gotoes.org/sales/Encryption_Buddy/index.php
MacFort
Mac Os X Encryption
Encrypts and protects with password files, folders, applications and their associated files. It uses AES 128 or 256 bit encryption standard (you may use the same via Disk Utility ) There is no way to see encrypted files without MacFort app. If Mac is lost o stolen your private files remain protected. More info here:
MacKeeper
Despite the controversial reputation of this application on this forum, I have decided to test their built-in encryptor option and it worked pretty well for me. “Data Encryptor” makes encrypted files invisible. It enables two level security mechanism. Internal password to Data Encryptor itself and the password to the encrypted item. More info here: http://manual.mackeeper.com/features/data-encryptor/
CryptMe
The simplest text editor/viewer. Open the text editor. Paste or type sensitive info there. Click on the lock and the data is encrypted. Application uses the same 256 bit AES encryption standard. Application is compaible with Mac OS and iOS as well. Available on the App Store. More info here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cryptme/id445265455?mt=12
Encrypto
Cross platform application for Windows and Mac computers. Allows to share encrypted files with friends and send them via e-mail. You can also encrypt the file and and set up the hint. Hint is useful in case you forget the password. More info here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/encrypto-encrypt-files-you/id935235287?mt=12
It is up to you to decide whether use 3rd party encryption apps or perfect Disk Utility. In my opinion, Disk Utility is all you need. 3rd party apps are good for novice users, however they use the same AES 256-bit standard available via Disk Utility. You should set up the strong and easy to remember password. Good option is to write down password hints somewhere. Remember: In case you forget the password, you no longer have the access to the items inside the encrypted folder.
By Gina Barrow, Last updated: April 24, 2020
Encryption is the safest and best way to protect data as it encodes a certain file or information in such a way that only authorized users or those with passwords can access. Information including bank details, sensitive personal records should be encrypted to avoid data theft.
Computer operating systems have built-in encryption features but these provide easy to medium form of security and still prone to expert hackers. You need to invest in encryption software if it is a requirement for your type of usage. Here are the top 5 best encryption software for Macin 2020. Check out which one works for your needs.
Part 1. Why Need to Encrypt Mac Files?
All vital files stored inside a computer including Mac need to be encrypted for security purposes. If you happen to hear, watch, and read the news, there are reported cases of stolen identities and bank information due to unsecured files saved inside people’s stolen laptops and computers.
To avoid such hassle, you can rely on encryption software for Mac but the main concern here is what the best software to use is.
Part 2. Apple’s Encryption Software for Mac for free
If you are concerned about data privacy and your Mac contains sensitive information that must be kept personal, then you should use encryption. Apple has its own encryption software that users can utilize for free. There are actually different ways on how to encrypt files on Mac.
Encryption via Disk Utility
- Use the spotlight search and type in Disk Utility. You can also go to Utilities under Applications.
- Go to File on the topmost tools and hover to New Image then click on Image from Folder
- Select the folder you wish to encrypt from the newly popped-up window
- Rename the file you want to encrypt and go to the bottom part where you can set the encryption settings
- You can choose between the 128 and the 256-bit. (The higher the encryption the better but it takes slower time to complete request)
- Once you have selected your encryption method, you need to provide and verify your password. (Note: Remember your password because it will never grant you access to the given folder until the correct password is supplied). Click Choose.
- For the Image format, you can choose compressed.
- Wait until the encryption is completed.
This type of encryption affects the folder and its file contents so anytime you wish to open the folder and the files inside, you need to provide the password.
- You can now see a new Archive folder on the desktop which was the same file you encrypted
- You can delete the old folder to remove any access to it
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Use FileVault
FileVault is full-disk encryption that uses XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key to preventing unauthorized access to your personal information on the startup disk. Basically, you won’t be able to go through Mac unless you provide the password.
The FileVault2 is available in OS X Lion and later versions. All you need to take advantage of this feature is to turn on FileVault in your Mac. Here’s how:
File Encryption For Mac
- Go to Security & Privacy under System Preferences
- Click the FileVault tab and click on the lock icon
- Enter the administration username and password
- Turn on FileVault
If you are using multiple users on Mac, you can enable each user and type in their assigned password.
Encryption For Mac Free
Print to PDF
Another file encryption method in Mac is the Print to PDF wherein you can do the security lock on the print window itself after creating or editing certain file/s.
- Go to Print
- Choose PDF
- Click Save as PDF
- Before saving it, go to Security Options
- Check the box for your desired password security measures
- Don’t forget to verify the password and click Save
Part 3. The Best Encryption Software for Mac in 2020
In the sea of many software and applications, there seems to be plenty of programs dedicated to single-use or single-function. They are good because they focus on one solution, however, they also cost more expensive.
If you browse thoroughly, you will discover that there are a few applications that offer sets of operations and toolkits specially designed for Mac. FoneDog PowerMyMac - Cleaner provides comprehensive modules dedicated to Mac OS. It has three powerful modules: Toolkit, Status, and Cleaner.
Inside FoneDogPowerMyMac-Cleaner Toolkit, there is a robust function called Hide and Encrypt Files. This feature allows you to create a password-protected folder and store sensitive files in it by drag and drop. It lets you turn on and off in case you may not use the feature.
- User-friendly
- Free download version
- Auto-lock setup
- Uses the safest encryption system
How cool is that? This program has made an easier way to protect you from possible data theft.
Part 4. Other Mac Encryption Tools
Apart from FoneDog PowerMyMac-Cleaner, there is other top performing software that also provides convenience and security.
Hider 2
Hider2 has the ability to hide and encrypt data on your Mac securely including notes, documents, photos, etc. One of its positive scores is the user-friendly interface which suits beginner to average users.
- Provides auto-lock feature when the user is inactive or idled
- Uses AES-256 encryption for the safest system
Cisdem AppCrypt
Cisdem AppCrypt offers both website and app encryption system that locks you apps and accessed websites with passwords. It creates a blacklist for suspicious access and whitelist for trusted users. However, it does not have the file encryption ability that sets passwords for the desired file and folders.
- Keeps a list of login attempts to let you know who opens your apps
- User-friendly
GNU Privacy Guard
GNU Privacy Guard is hybrid Mac encryption software that uses a combination of standard symmetric-key cryptography and public-key cryptography. It mainly features a versatile key management system to protect your personal privacy and the privacy of the people you are communicating with.
- Versatile (has Windows and Mac versions)
- Free Software
However, since it provides you with a private key for safekeeping, you might end up having a hard time figuring out how to decode it once the keys are lost.
Best Mac Encryption Software
Concealer
Concealer is another trusted name in terms of hiding files and encryption. It provides an automatic password assistant that generates “strong” passwords. One of its main advantages is providing and organizing folders by having default templates for various accounts such as bank accounts, email, software registration, and more.
- Customizable auto-lock system
- Easy to use with drag and drop features
- Uses the master password and assigns separate or individual passwords to each file inside
Part 5. Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Encryption Software for Mac
I know you may have gotten confused on which program to use or will work best for you after reading through the different software you can choose from. There is plenty of encryption software for Mac; however, bear in mind that you need to consider quality and multi-function when it comes to having a “good buy”.
Encryption For Mac Mail
You need a program that provides an all-in-one solution that you can rely on when things go rough on your device. I recommend using FoneDog PowerMyMac for the following factors:
- Security– It the important concern above all. You have to be keen about how these programs work to secure your files and your Mac overall.
- Encryption– Based on the above-mentioned encryption data, there are different types of password-protection format. Choose the one that provides the safest and considers your files their topmost priority.
- Encryption Speed- Consider a program that can encrypt even your large files at the shortest period of time. We know that large files take a while to be fully encrypted so you need software that can minimize the time constraints.
- Software License- Although free programs are good such as the GNU Privacy Guard, an open source software, you need to consider that free software is not entirely best for your needs since everyone can download it. The same thing goes for paid programs; you have to be extra cautious on how much it costs and its corresponding features. To be sure, you can take advantage of their free-trial versions first so you can determine if it works for you or not.
Part 6. Conclusions
We care so much about data privacy and we understand how crucial it is to be well-protected. You cannot simply store important files in your Mac especially when you have multiple users or you plan to sell it later on.
We know how much you want to protect your files from prying eyes and suspicious people that is why we have compiled and researched the different programs that can help you secure them. The encryption software for Mac we listed has their own Pros and Cons where you can assess according to their features.
Simply choose a program that will password-protect your files, optimize your system, and provide you with complete troubleshooting toolkit. Do you have any other concerns regarding encryption software for Mac? Please write your concerns in the comments below!